Associate / Senior Associate Patent Attorney, Biotechnology

Your role

As a Patent Attorney in our Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne offices, you will collaborate with renowned leaders in IP and have access to the firm's extensive client base to explore and develop new opportunities and deliver outstanding service to clients. Our Patent practice is fully embedded within the broader law firm which provides unique and unparalleled opportunities to expand your horizons, work with a diverse domestic and international client base, and collaborate with your colleagues.

You'll be a part of our outstanding Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys (PTA) Group and will work with attorneys and lawyers across all of our offices. Working closely with our Partners and the wider team, you will gain exposure to the most complex and interesting matters in the market.

Our PTA Group is an integral part of Allens leading IP practice and provides the full range of intellectual property services, specialising in registered IP rights. Our team includes specialist Patent Attorneys, Trade Mark Attorneys and Commercial and Litigation IP lawyers, supported by a team of Administrators, Searchers and PTA Support Specialists.

As a Patent Attorney in our PTA Group you will:

• Provide the full scope of patent-related services to local innovators and international clients operating in competitive commercial environments, including:

  • Drafting and prosecuting applications in Australia and around the world

  • IP portfolio management

  • High stakes patent oppositions and patent litigation

  • Freedom to operate searches and advice

  • Validity and infringement opinions

  • Devising and implementing IP strategies in a global context

• Assist Allens' IP practice in the delivery of a broad range of legal and commercial services, particularly in patent litigation matters where specialist patent attorney input is critical.

• Assist in the continued growth of the IP practice through our clearly defined and targeted Business Development initiatives.

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity. Hybrid working (60% in the office) is how we work. However flexibility matters at Allens, so if you are seeking hybrid working or are looking for flexibility in your work, we would be happy to discuss what arrangements would work best for you.

About you

Ideally you will have:

• Experience practising as a Patent Attorney within a reputable patent attorney firm or law firm, or an in‑house role.

• A PhD or advanced degree in a field relevant to biotechnology

• Post-graduate qualifications, research or industry experience in your chosen field.

• Experience drafting and prosecuting patents in the biotechnology field or ancillary specialties.

• Experience in patent oppositions is also advantageous but not essential.

• A willingness to participate in business development activities, such as pitch documents, firm-wide pursuits, article writing, attending industry events and hosting seminars.

• A willingness to build an understanding of clients and develop collaborative working relationships.

• A desire to learn, grow, network, mentor others.

Your development

In joining Allens, you will receive unparalleled learning and development opportunities. You will be challenged, supported and guided as you learn and develop, and will be encouraged to grow. We foster greatness in our people, and will coach and support you to meet your goals and aspirations.

Our unique Career Deal allows you to take control of your career and provides a transparent approach to career development.

Our perks

Working at Allens comes with benefits, including:

• Financial: market competitive fixed remuneration, generous incentive plan that recognises both billable and broader contributions, employee recruitment referral program, discounts at hundreds of suppliers including retail outlets, health and travel insurance, charity matched funding program.

• Health and wellbeing: fully subsidised gym memberships, annual flu vaccinations, skin checks, in-house snacks and catered meals, subsidised sporting and social activities, Employee Assistance Program including confidential counselling, wellbeing coaching and financial coaching for employees and their families.

• Flexibility: hybrid and flexible working arrangements to support you in your work and life commitments and passions, equipment to support working from home.

• Leave: ability to purchase additional annual leave, access to an enhanced, inclusive and flexible parental leave policy – 26 weeks paid parental leave with no minimum service for permanent employees and high quality executive coaching to support the transition.

• Recognition: team based recognition including social activities and contribution based recognition activities, and annual Allens Values Awards to nominate and recognise the incredible contributions of our people.

Allens is also proud to invest in our communities, giving you the opportunity to make a difference through our work on reconciliation, the environment and other social justice issues as well as our workplace giving and volunteering programs.

How to apply?

We'd love to hear from you so please click "apply now"! If you would like to find out more, please visit "This is Allens" or listen to our Allens Confidential podcast to hear real stories from real people about life at Allens. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please phone Thomas Wigglesworth, Talent Acquisition National Manager, on +61 449 539 834.  

At Allens, our culture is made up of unique backgrounds and varying life experiences. We celebrate our people's differences across gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, cultural backgrounds, First Nations communities, and family and caring arrangements. If you require adjustments to fully participate in our application process, please contact us at [email protected]. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align, please express your interest by emailing us. The right role for you might be just around the corner!